But that trial was abandoned when Hou pleaded guilty on Wednesday to manufacturing MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, trafficking 71 grams of the drug and possessing 32 litres of precursor chemical nitromethane​.

The laboratory was discovered when neighbours reported chemical odours coming from Hou's unit to an ACTEW Water trade waste officer, who was investigating a possible chemical spill at the property in August 2014.

Hou spoke to the waste officer when he knocked, coming outside and closing the door behind him.